I think that Dr Griffin is well aware that operating the shuttle beyond its present shut off date is unfeasable and finacially not possible given current budget restraints. I think the only reason he is doing this is because some US politicians are worrying about using Russian Transport and have put pressure on him to it.

This is an example of politicians not recognising the realities of the situation, production lines have been run down and contracts cancelled. Restarting all this would mean a major investment in money and time and cause a huge knock on effect for Ares/Orion.

I feel sorry somewhat for Dr Griffin, continually having to explain the real world to elected idiots who cant tie their own shoe laces.

_________________A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

On Monday, Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, and David Vitter, R-La., sent a letter to the White House asking that NASA extend the shuttle retirement by at least a year in case growing tensions with Russia affect an agreement for Russia's Soyuz rocket to supply the space station when the shuttle is retired in 2010.

Quote:

The memo outlined that considerations should be taken that there is not a shuttle flight schedule beyond 2010, that orders for special parts that take a long time and that shuttle flights should not delay development of its replacement - the Ares rocket and Orion spacecraft.

"It's not really a formal study, though," Yembrick said, "but an informal request. As an agency we realize we want to be prepared and look at our options across the program."

_________________"The hardest hurdle to space isn't the technicalities and money. But rather, the courage and the will to do it." - Burt Rutan.